Michigan’s Match on Main program funds 69 small businesses statewide

LANSING, Mich. – In a move to bolster local economies and revitalize downtown areas, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) will extend financial support to 69 small businesses throughout the state. Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main program, these businesses will receive over $1.5 million in grants aimed at fostering growth and resilience in Michigan’s Main Street communities.

The Match on Main initiative is designed to assist new or expanding place-based enterprises by offering up to $25,000 in funding through a competitive application process. This year, the program witnessed record participation, with 144 applicants from 83 communities, signaling a significant demand for such support.

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our downtowns,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Today’s Match on Main grants will provide 69 small businesses across the state with the support they need to grow, thrive, and create bustling, vibrant main streets. By investing in communities across our state, we will continue to make Michigan the best place to live, work, and thrive.”

Chris Rishko, managing director of Small Business at the MEDC, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “Match on Main continues to play an important role in strengthening Michigan’s downtowns and commercial districts by helping small businesses invest, grow, and thrive. Since the program’s launch in 2019, Match on Main has helped generate significant private investment, support job creation and retention, and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state. By empowering locally owned businesses, we’re helping build vibrant communities and fostering long-term economic growth throughout Michigan.”

Since its inception in 2019, the Match on Main program has supported 727 small businesses, resulting in the creation of 705 full-time and 1,152 part-time jobs. The initiative has distributed $7.6 million in grants and leveraged over $25 million in private investment.

FY26 Match on Main Recipients

This fiscal year, the program has awarded a total of $1,573,936 to the selected businesses, with $75,000 in grant funding carried over from FY25. Among the 69 grantees, 15 are new businesses, while 54 are existing ones, including 26 restaurants, 21 retail establishments, and nine service businesses. Notably, 41 of these businesses are located in Geographically Disadvantaged Areas.

In Hudsonville, 317 Coffee plans to modernize its ordering and communication systems with the grant, enhancing both technology and the physical space to create a vibrant community hub. In Hamtramck, Gajiza Dumplins will use the funding for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements, positioning the business for future growth. Meanwhile, Wakefield’s Z’s Hometown Market aims to enhance its infrastructure for better accessibility and operational efficiency.

Get more information on the Match on Main program.